2012 Tacoma: Steering Feels Tight, Loud Hum/Vibration at Speed

Hey, my 2013 Tacoma's been acting weird. The steering feels stiff in certain spots when I turn the wheel, like it's catching or binding. At the same time, I'm getting an intermittent vibration at highway speeds - not really a shake, more of a loud hum, especially when I slightly turn right. Both issues started at the same time. The power steering rack was replaced a few months ago by a reputable shop before I bought the truck - l've got the paperwork for it. Just wondering if it could be the pump or possibly something going on with the new rack. Let me know what you think.

The truck only has 109,000 miles on it.

 

When I busted one of many rack and pinions, the most common thing was a busted rack mounting bolt followed by the mounting tab cracking, which caused these symptoms

 

Sometimes the u joints on the steering shaft can rust and cause tight spots but almost sounds like a pump.

 

I have a 2012 4x4 and my intermediate shaft u-joints were severely worn. Got to a point that it was very hard to turn with two hands and road vibration was pretty constant. Several units in my area had similar issues. what shocks me is if the joints are finished that they were not noticed when rack was replaced. That is if it is the intermediate shaft.